Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) | Alzheimer's Society

UTIs and dementia - useful organisations

Find out more about organisations that can give further information and support on UTIs and dementia.

Tips to prevent UTIs in people with dementia

The following tips can help to reduce the risk of a UTI in someone with dementia.

UTIs and delirium

UTIs in someone with dementia can cause a significant and distressing change in someone’s behaviour that is commonly referred to as ‘acute confusional state’ or ‘delirium’

Obtaining samples of urine to test for a UTI

Obtaining urine samples from a person with dementia can be difficult, and the relative or carer closest to them will probably be the best person to assist with this.

What can cause a urinary tract infection?

A number of different factors can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a person with dementia, including the use of catheters, and weakened immune systems.

Types of UTI and how they are treated

Read more about different types of UTIs that may affect people with dementia and how treatment differs for each one.

Urinary tract infections and dementia

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a type of infection common among older people. If a person with a memory impairment or dementia has a UTI, this can cause sudden and severe confusion known as ‘delirium’.

Carers' tips: Sudden changes

01 February 2018

Delirium's impact